Vulcanizer



Jan. 1, 1929. 1,697,460

W. S. GALVIN VULCANIZER Filed Oct. 29, "1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 JIIVVEN we; I

IV S, gin m.

Jan. 1, 1929. 1,697,460

I w. s. GALVIN VULCANI ZER Filed Oct-29, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

ATT0RNEY..

Jan. '1, 1929.

W. S. GALVIN VULCANI ZER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 29 1925 INVENTOR; WADE 5. 4341 my.

BY c VATTORNEY.

Patented Jan. 1, 1929.

suites star-as restate Parser caries.-

WADE S. GALVIN, OF AKRON, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE AKRON STANDARD MOLDCOM- PANY, OF AKRON, OHIO, A. CORPORATION OF OHIO.

V'ULCANIZER.

Application filed October 29, 1925. Serial No. 65,578.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in the vulcanization of tires or tubes and particularly to that type of vulcanizer which is known as the watchcase type, in which the articles are vulcanized in' steam jacketed molds which are hinged upon vertical hinges so as to open in opposite directions from a central stationary member which is also steam jacketed. The interior of the articles which are to be vulcanized, whether tires or tubes, are intended to be connected to a source of fluid pressure so that they are expanded outwardly in contact with the mold surfaces.

One of the objects of the invention is the construction of a clamping or looking arrangement for securely holding the swinging mold sections or halves against the stationary mold section, which prevents springing of the molds and always insures a close fit, The invention also provides for an improved.

mechanism for operating the locking device,

either by fluid pressure or by hand operated mechanism. With the fluid operated mechanism is provided an automatic regulating device by means of which the pressure fluid for operating the locking mechanism and for inflating the air bag or tube within the mold is properly governed so that the mold is effectively clamped before the air is admitted to the interior of the mold and the air is released before the mold is opened. This is an effective safety device, in addition to which it makes the operation of the apparatus practically automatic.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of means associated with the locking mechanism for opening the mold sections.

The invention also includes the provision of special devices for adaptation of the apparatus for the curing of tubes.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings which constitute features of the invention,

it being understood that the invention is not limited to a strict following of the various elements as shown and described,'for considerable variations and modifications may be resorted to within the'scope of the claims appended hereto.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side View of a vulcanizer showing the preferred embodiments of the lnvention;

Figure 2 is a horizontal section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1; 0

Figure 3.is an edge view looking from the left of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a detail of the locking meehaco nism showing the mold in closed position;

Figure 5 is a similar view showing the device opened;

Figure 6 is an enlarged plan View of the control mechanism;

Figure 7 is a section thereof on the line 77 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a horizontal section on the line 88 of Figure 1, showing the vulcanizer equipped for the curingof tires;

Figure 9 is a similar view showing the apparatus equipped for the vulcanization of tubes; 4

Figures 10 and 11 are detail views showing the attachment devised for the curing of 7 tubes with bent or S-valve stems;

Figure 12 is a side view of the apparatus equipped with a hand operated device for moving the clamping ring; and

Figure 13 is an end view of the lower portion of the device shown in" Figure 12.

The apparatus forming the subject matter of this invention includes a stationary casting or section. This element is indi ca-ted, as an entirety, by the numeral 1, being chambered as at 2 for the circulation of steam and being provided with a base portion 3 which is secured upon the standard 4.

At one side of the main. casting 1 is secured a bracket 5 in which are mounted parallel, vertical hinge pins 6. On each hinge pin is swingingly mounted a bracket 7 to which is secured a second mold carrying element 8..- On the outer faces of the central casting 1 are removably secured mold plates 9 which close the chamber within the central member, the edges about the casting being-securely packed so that no leakage may occur. Similar removable mold plates 10 are securely fastened over the cavities in the swinging plates 8, so that when the movable mold sections are in closed position the plates define. molds for the curing of tires, tubes, or other articles. As shown'in Figure 8, the apparatus is equipped for the molding of pneumatic automobile tires, while Figure 9 shows the apparatus equipped for the molding .of pneumatic tubes. The plates 9 and 10 may be of any suitable form and interchangeable so that tubes or tires may be cured in the same equipment and various sizes of either may be manufac tured.

Referring to Figure 8, a tire is indicated by the numeral and the usual expansible core or air bag at 16. The tire and air bag are assembled upon curing rings 17., the valve for the inflation of the air bag being shown at 18. The assembly is intended to be supported upon two pins 19 which project through lugs 20 formed upon the inner circumference of the central member 1.

In the form of device shown in Figure 9, a tube is indicated at 21 which is carried upon a ring 22, bolted to the face of the central member 1. The valve is shown at 23. The ring 22 is recessed in the region of the valve stem for a short distance, and to the swinging member of the mold-is fastened a plate 24: which fits withinethe recess. On the contacting surfaces of the ring and the plate are formed grooves which mate to enclose passageways for the valve stem. In case a tube with a straight valve stem is to be vulcanized, the hole is radial as at 26. For housing a crooked or bent valve stem, the groove 26 is provided with an angular offset as '"shown at 27. The device is thereby rendered suitable for the vulcanization of tubes with either form of valve stem.

The clamping mechanism comprises rotatable clamping rings mounte'don either side of the central casting 1, indicated generally by the numeral 30, being made in two semi-circular halves connected by bolts 31.

Each ring is provided with an angular flange 32 which is received and guided within a groove 33 formed with the central member. The ring overhangs the swinging section 8 and is formed-upon its outer surface with a plurality of inclined surfaces or cams 34; which are spaced at intervals about the ring. The outer .rim of the swinging mold section is formed with a plurality of similarly shaped cams 35 arranged at the same spaced intervals and the arrangement is such that as the clamping ring is rotated in one direction the cams 3 L bear upon the cams 35 and tightly clamp the swinging. section against the stationary section.

The rotatable ring 18 used not only for clamping the swinging mold sections against the stationary mold section, but also for the purpose of opening or cracking the molds. This result is accomplished by the formation of a cam 36 upon the locking ring which is pipe 58. The v neoaeeo designed to contact with a lug 37 on the swinging mold section and these elements are so arranged that as the cams 34 pass off the cams 35, the cam 36 will strike the lug 37 and the swinging section will be forced outwardly as shown in Figure 5. A handle 38 on the swinging. section may be used for opening the mold to its full extent.

For the purpose of rotating the clamping ring 30, there are shown and described two forms of apparatus which are shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7, being of the fluid pressure type, and that shown in Figures 12 and 13, being of the mechanical or hand operated type. ll will first describe the fluid operated type.

Extending from the standard 4 is a bracket 40, on the upper surface of which is secured a fluid pressure gperated cylinder 39 for each mold unit. its the construction of both of these cylinders and associated mechanism is the same, one only will be described. Each cylinder has the usual pipes 41 and 42 connected to either end to admit fluid under pressure to either side of the piston. The piston is provided witha rod 43 which is attached by the link 44 to a lug 415 formed upon the clamping ring so that as the piston is operated in either direction the mold will be locked or opened, the pipe 42 moving the ring to locking position and the pipe ll to unlocking position.

The pipes pass to a controlling device which is indicated at 4:6, being mounted upon a bracket 47 at the opposite side of the standard fromthe bracket d0. The pipes 41 and 42 are connected to a four-way valve 48 to which are connected the pressure inlet ipe 49 and exhaust pipe50. The valve is Y controlled by a two-armed lever 51. The valve is coordinated and combined with a valve for the control of air to the interior of the tire or tube within the mold so that air is admitted thereto only after the mold is securely clamped in position and so that the air isexhausted before the clamp? ing ring is moved to unlocked position, and this device is automatic in its operation so that the operatorscannot make a mistake in the sequence of operations. I

Air under pressure for the tube or air bag is received through an intake pipe 55 leading to a three-way valve 56 which connects with a line 57 connected to the valve on the air bag or tube and with an exhaust lve is cont-rolled by a twoarrned lever 59 similar to the lever 51.

The unitary control device for two valves consists of a rotary arm. 60 carrying a roller (51 at its outer end and moved between two stops 62, which latter are carried upon the under side of entire device. theupper end of the device within a bearing 65.

The arm 60 is fastened to of a shaft 64 located centrally At its a casing 63 which covers the ree'zgaoo lower end the shaft carries a worm whel266 which engages with a worm 67 secured to ashaft 68 which ,is operated by a crank'69. A pointer 70 is carried on the upper "end of the shaft 64 and sweeps over the top of the thereby opening the valve 56 and permitting the air pressure to-be released. A continued rotation of the arm 60 will bring it into con tact with the arm 51 which is projecting within the path of the roller 61, opening the four-way valve to the outlet 11 and moving the ring to unlocked position. The cured tire may now be removed and a new one put in its place. The door being closed, the arm 60 is moved in the opposite direction, operating the valve 48 to move the ring to locking position and then operating the valve 56 to admit air to the interior of the article.

In the modification of the apparatus shown in Figures 12 and 13, each clamping ring 30 is provided with an ear 71 which is connected to a pivoted rack 72 which, in turn, meshes with a pinion 73, being held in place by a roller 74. The pinion 73 is carried upon a shaft 75 which is supported in a bearing 76 on the'standard 4, the shaft being provided with a. lever 77 which has a pawl 78 engaging the pinion 73.

It will be observed that the-apparatus shown herein is eflicient and rapid in its operation. The automatic controlinsures a safe operation in proper sequence and accidents will be avoided. The clamping ring insures a tight and accurate sealing of the I mold, allowing no opportunity for loose fitart.

'ting. Safety and efliciency of the apparatus is thereby assured. Other advantages, such as simplicity of operation, labor saving and rapid operation are assured. The principles embodied in the various features are susceptible of modification and alteration as will be appreciated by those skilled in the Such modifications as fall within the scope of the invention and the appended claims are intended to be covered herein.-

What is claimed is: 1. In a vulcaniz ing apparatus,'a stationary mold member and a swinging mold .member hinged thereto, a ring rotatably mounted on the exterior of one of said members, cam surfaces on the ring, corresponding cam surfaces upon the other member, and fluid pressure operated means to rotate the ring to bring the surfaces in contact.

2. In a vulcanizing apparatus, a stationary mold member and a swinging mold pressure within the member hinged thereto, a ring rotatably. mounted on the exterior of the stationary member, clamping formations on the swinging member, a pressure cylinder, and connections from said cylinder to the ring to I rotate it to clamping position.

3. In a vulcanizing apparatus, a support, a central mold member mounted on the support, a swinging mold member hinged thereto, a groove in the outer surface of the cen tral member, a ring rotatably mounted in the groove, inclined cam surfaces on the ring and inclined cam surfaces on the rim of the swinging mold, a pressure cylinder on the support, and connections from the pressure cylinder to the ring whereby the latter may be rotated to force the camsurfaces r,

together. I

4. In a vulcanizing apparatus, a mold comprising a stationar member and a swinging member, a locking ring for clamping the members together, means for rotating the ring, means for introducing air or other fluid under pressure to the interior of the article Within the mold, and means to coordinate the locking mechanism and the air pressure means so that air will be under article only when the mold is locked.

5. In, a vulcanizing apparatus, a mold comprising a stationary section and a movable section, a. rotatable ring about said sections and provided with locking means for the sections, a pressure operated device for rotating the ring, a pressure line. for the article within the mold, and a single operating mechanism for insuring the prop er sequence of pressures.

6. In a vulcanizing apparatus, a stationary mold member, a movable mold member adapted to be brought in contact therewith, a r ng rotatably mounted upon one of the sections, a' mold locking and mold breaking formation on the ring, and means to rotate the ring in opposite directions to lock or break the mold respectively.

7. In a vulcanizing apparatus, a stationary mold member,-a swinging mold member adapted to be brought into cooperation therewith to enclose a vulcanizing cavity, a ring rotatably mounted upon the stationary section, clamping lugs on the ring and clamping lugs on the swinging member, and

. a breaking lug on the ring adapted to contact with the swinging section to force it away from the stationary section.

8. In a vulcanizing apparatus, a stationary mold member, a swinging mold member adapted to be brought into cooperation therewith to enclose a vulcanizing cavity, a

ring rotatably mounted upon the stationaryv section, clamping lugs 'on the ring and clamping lugs'on the swinging member, a breaking lug on the ring adapted to contact with the swinging section to force it away from the stationary section,

and mechanism to rotate the ring.

9. lln a vuleanizingapparatus, a stationary mold member and a swinging mold member hinged thereto, a ring rotatably mounted on the exterior of one of said members, cam surfaces on the ring, corresponding cam surfaces on the other member, a breaking cam on the ring and a formation with which the last named cam is adapted to cooperate, and means to rotate the ring in opposite directions to bring the cam surfaces in contact to "lock or break the mold respectively.

10.111 a vulcanizing apparatus, a stationary mold member and a swinging mold member hinged thereto, a ring rotatably mounted on the exterior of one of said members, cam surfaces on the ring, corresponding cam surfaces on the other member, a breaking cam on the ring and a formation with which the last named cam is adapted to cooperate, and fluid operated means to rotate the ring in opposite directions to brin the cam surfaces 1n contact to lockor brea the mold respectively.

11. In a vuleanizing apparatus, two mold members which enclose a vulcanizing cavity, a ring surrounding and rotatable about the members, a lug on rename the" ring, and a lug on one of the members,'the said lugs cooperating to break the mold.

12. In a vulcanizing apparatus, two mold members which enclose a vuleanlzmg cavity, a rlng surrounding and rotatable about the members, a lug on the ring, a lug on one of the members, the said lugs cooperating to break the mold, and means to rotate the ring.

lln a vulcanizing apparatus, two mold members which enclose a vulcanizing cavlty,

aring rotatable about the members, a lug on the ring, a lug on one of the members, the said lugs cooperating to break the mold, and fluid pressure operated means to rotate the ring.

14. In a Vulcanizing mold, a relatively fixed mold section, a movable mold section hinged with reference thereto, a locking ring rotatably mounted on one of the mold sections, means on the other mold section for engaging the locking ring to effect 'an interlock therewith, means for rotating the locking ring, forcing. the movable section away from the fixed section as the mold is unlocked.

WADE S. GALVIN.

and means for automatically 

